The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1887-01-01
THE
ANONYMOUS LETTER
The Strange History Of a
Scrap OF Paper.
THE
iCONTNUED, I

Seated in an easy cha was middle aged
gentleman, well preserved for one of his
years. Tall and straight, his blonde side
Whiskers and luxuriant hair had scarcely
begun to turn gray. There was jolly ex-
preston on his lace. He was one of your
easy-going individuals who become popu-
larthloush sheer good nature and geniality.
This was Mr.. Richard Hargrave, senior, a
downtown attorney of good and paying
practice.
Reclining on broad, low couch was a
lady OF perhaps thirty years; slight, and
fair, she would be called handsome were it
not for the languid, bored expression she
usually wore.
As Dick entered, his father sprang to his
feet, his face lighting up with pleasure
well, you young scamp! when did you
arrive?" grasping his hand. you look like
a Western Cowboy
The young scamp laughed lightly. Just
got in, and am ready to masticate the fatted
calf" Then noticing his step mother for
the first time, he advanced, and taking her
outstretched hand, exclaimed: "Ah, mother
mine, l hope l find you enjoying good
health?"
Fairly we'll, my son." she said, laughing,
and blushing slightly, as she rose.
II suppose Warner came home with you?"
exclaimed Mr.. Hargrave.
"Oh, yes. He was glad enough to get
home. We've had a splendid time, though.
/ tell You father, your old friend Philip
Raymond is a brick, but I'll tell you all
about it when | make 4 presentable toilet
and get some dinner"
Dinner viii be ready soon, and you will
have to hurry" said his father, consulting
his watch.
IN be on time And away he goes with
a rush.
MIR. Richard Hargrave, senior, is well
pleased with his son and only heir. There
is sort of good-fellowship existing be-
tween them, which makes them appear
more like brothers than father and son.
Il tell YOU, Lena, that boy is as full of
life as a young colt" he says, with a
chuckle.
YES" says Mrs. Hargrave, who is not at
all displeased with her step-son, his
presence reyiyes one like sudden gust of
fresh arr.
Its about time Dick was thinking of
settl ng down in life, though" he added.
Il must talk with him about it. Don't think
the young rascal ever thought of a girl; or,
ut least, seriously"
"He wrote rather glowing accounts of
yogr friend Raymond's daughter, did he
not, Richald?"
"Ham!" pausing in his walk. That's
SO, he did draw 1t pretty strong"
"Wha, sort of people are these Ray
monds?" queried Mrs. Hargrave.
"Well, Raymond was d Southerner by
bnth. Of good fam ", and heir TO large
forum though when | knew him We were
both clerks"
In n few minutes. dinner being an
nouuced, they repaired to the d ning-Ioo
where Dick already awaited them. ALFRED
n an elegant suit of dark material, he
looked different parsonage.
Now, | feel somewhat ike myself" he
said cLeerily, as he took his accustomed
place. when one has been trampiug
about through the woods for couple of
weeks, in high-top boots aud shooting cos
tune, it is quite a relief TO get into an
every day suit again.
They were q LONG time over their dinner,
for Dick had considerable to tell them con-
ceining his adventures, and if / e dwell at
length upon his description of Claudio
Ra mond, was it to be wondered at, Tor
was she not the dan liter of his fathers old
and e-teemed friend.
The remainder OF the day he spent IN
visiting friends and old haunts, and that
evening, at the club, he and Tom were sub
jected TO any amount of unmercifuI chaff,
which they took good naturedly enough.
Dick was not long in falling into the old
routine of eIy-day life, and if at times
the hours hung heavily on his hands, he
consoled himself with the thought that ere
long he would be privileged to enjoy the
society of one who had continually occu-
pied an Uppermost place in his thoughts.
A few days later rs he was sauntering
down to the Office. busy with his thoughts,
he was abruptly ran into, and nearly
knocked OFF his feet 10y no less a person
than the little oyerseer, Mr.. Sharp.
Hello, Sharp" he said, as he regained
his balance, when did YOU arlive?"
Sharp seemed somewhat embarrassed at
this sudden meeting, and turned first red,
then pale.
IL arrived here this morning!" he
managed at last to say. Game down on
business connected with the mill, and was
Just returning"
Has Raymond gone to Philadelphia
YETI" Dick could not help asking.
Yes, they LETT few days ago, looking
sharply up.
by the way, Sharp. lost letter, some
way, a day or Two before l left the mill. "
Sharp turned a shade paler. "Twas moth
ing of importance, but if You should hap
pen to run across it, l will be obliged to
you if Won VIII send it to me-"
| viii do SO with pleasure, should | find
It. he replied. and hastily bidding him
adieu, he hurried on.
Queer fellow, that Sharp" thought
Dick, as be gazed after his retIeating form.
could have sworn he looked confused
when l spoke of that letter.